Associate Professor Sonja Macfarlane

Sonja Macfarlane (Ngai Tahu, Ngati Waewae) is an Associate Professor in the School of Health Sciences at UC, working as a Senior Research Fellow. Her research and teaching collectively focus on culturally responsive evidence-based approaches in education, psychology, counselling and human development. Sonja has previously been a classroom teacher to RTLB, a special education advisor, and the national Professional Practice Leader: Services to Maori in the Ministry of Education, Special Education.

Monday 8 April | 11:45am

CULTURAL RESPONSIVENESS IN EDUCATION

The term 'positive education' conjures up notions of happiness, success, fun, and wellbeing – all of which are the types of educational experiences and outcomes that parents want for their children. As the indigenous people of Aotearoa New Zealand, many Māori would argue that many education contexts promote cultures that only serve to counter these positive notions; particularly when bereft of the cultural realities and values that resonate for Māori.

Māori children come into this world adorned with gifts and potential; qualities that are handed down to them by their ancestors. It is incumbent upon adults who are responsible for their care to provide contexts for engagement and learning that enable a strong sense of self-worth, belonging and identity to flourish.

It is argued that positive education must reflect the notion that everyone belongs, everyone has a place, everyone has a voice, everyone has aspirations, and everyone can contribute. This requires educators to minimise and/or remove any potential and actual barriers that might obstruct this vision. This presentation will explore positive education from a kaupapa Māori position.